Living With Autobots.

Epilogue.

A Month Later.

"Well, after hearing your side of things from Optimus and yourself, I was still concerned about what the loss of the AllSpark meant to us, after all, we were in a war situation," Elita told Sam, who was sat in an armchair on Optimus' desk. "That is why we femmes, after arrival on this world, thought to offer our participation in dates to the Decepticons to give encouragement to them to consider a treaty."

She paused. "That way, not only were we giving them an incentive, but also, we hoped, it would pre-empt them from just taking what they wanted, or felt they needed, from us. Forcing an individual was considered taboo on Cybertron, but then again, before the war, so was killing another individual. We did not know if the taboo would survive the conflict between us, or if the Decepticons were desperate enough to break it. We'd rather offer on our terms than have the choice taken from us, and in addition it gave the Decepticons cause to see it as a concession to them."

"And it appears to have succeeded, for the Decepticons have been in discussion with the humans, who have now suggested that we use our technology to take humans to other worlds," Optimus said. "The suggestion was also made to take human miners to asteroids to gain ores and materials for use and refinement on both sides, which Starscream and the Decepticons, after their negative experiences on Cybertron, thoroughly approve of. Perhaps, if they see humans and some of us Autobots willing to do mining, the Decepticons may later wish to assist." Optimus dipped his head in a nod. "Until then, the Decepticons can pay with assist to humans in other ways, not least by helping transport the human miners to where they are needed once suits for their use have been made from the designs we all participated in creating."

"Well, I guess that's a relief, that the permanent treaty is being worked on and so far seems to be succeeding," Sam said. "I mean, I guess there will probably be snags, I gather there always are in these things, until and unless there are compromises made on all sides, but seeing as all sides want what the others can give, they are likely to work it out, right?" Sam asked.

"Indeed, Sam, and it is good that a treaty is finally being agreed, for on two occasions now Decepticons have shown it is possible, and even sometimes enjoyable, for them to interact with and get to know humans, all thanks to you showing the same reverence for life we all used to have, and perhaps can have again." He smiled. "Once again, Sam, you may well have helped save many lives, not just those here, but others who have not even come to be yet, by helping the Decepticons accept humans as functioning, likeable, and useful individuals, and helping to broker the peace between three disparate sides."

"Hey, wait a minute, I accept that my saving you before I became Dr Syn's assistant meant the Code of Cybertron was still binding on you, but the treaty, and much of that time when I was letting Starscream repay his obligation under the Code, happened after Dr Syn gave me that position," Sam said. "As Dr Syn's assistant-cum-nurse, I don't have to accept 'repayments' now, as it's what people with medical positions do, right?" Sam said uncertainly.

Optimus gave a small laugh. "Relax, Sam, you are correct, I don't believe anybody will wish to invoke the Code on you as a result of this treaty, diplomats are also exempt in matters of treaty and agreements, and you acted in that capacity for the Decepticons." He paused. "My own obligation to you, by preventing Elita from destroying you over the destruction of the AllSpark, has also been discharged, which is just as well as the Decepticons insisted on you representing them in order to broker the truce that it seems will lead to a treaty. Guarding you in that situation would have proved extremely problematic, I would probably have been forced to invoke a Decepticon proxy."

"Yeah, I guess so, I guess it's been good not having you following me around anymore, but weird, too," Sam said. "If the Decepticons don't want my help with the final treaty, can I come here to find out how it's going?"

"Certainly, Sam," Optimus said, as Sam stood and Elita carefully cupped her hands in front of the boy. Sam looked surprised, and then apprehensive, before cautiously stepping into her hands.

"Optimus explained everything and things have turned out pretty well in spite of the loss of the AllSpark," Elita said, "partly because of you, and in part because the AllSpark is gone. I promised Optimus I wouldn't hurt you because of the loss of the AllSpark, I now make that promise to you, and I don't break my promises." With that, she carried the human boy to Optimus' door, opening it for him so he could leave.

Taking the hint, Sam did so.

He found Bumblebee waiting for him just down the corridor, allowing the yellow and black scout to carry him to the courtyard.

"Come on, 'Bee, let's go home, I'm exhausted and I want to sleep," Sam said.

The Autobot stood back from his human friend, folding down into Camaro form, and the human got in and placed his hands lightly on the wheel.

The Camaro peeled out of the Autobot Base and onto the road, heading for the small town of Tranquility where Sam lived.

A/N: Writing this series has been a lot of fun, and I'm a bit sad to see it come to an end. If I have any new ideas – or if you do, and offer them, and I choose to use them (credit will be given) I may revisit this trilogy, or perhaps the Code of Cybertron idea in a different story. However, for now, this story has reached The End.